Comparing Politeness
A Comorian student annoyed by French politeness
The Experience
“Where I come from, when you ask for something or when you thank someone, politeness is implicit. When I say ” pass me this glass” it’s understood that I’m saying “please” and that I respect you, otherwise I wouldn’t be having a drink with you… The French say I’m rude when I say ” pass me this glass” without adding please behind. But the ones I find really rude here are the kids! The other day, my niece who’s growing up in France, replied “leave me alone” when I tried to talk to her, and another time, she took the remote control and changed the channel without asking me. I find this really rude!”
Who's Telling the Story?
Navigateur solidaire is a Comorian student in education at the University Paris 8 and poet. He has been living in France since 2009.
Place : Sartrouville, France
Date : 2016
What do You Think?
Have you ever been shocked by standards of politeness that seemed disrespectful to you?
This intercultural experience questions you?
Come and discuss it with us at one of our gatherings!